Turnbull gets a spine

Last week, I had the opportunity to collaborate again with fellow artist Fiona Arnold. Fiona was asked to create a sculpture on behalf of Reverse Garbage for James Brechney of DIY Rainbow. Specifically, James asked for a spine for Australian Prime Minister Turnbull.  Fiona asked me to come on board to help create the spine.

The finished spine. Aug 2017

The constant struggle to just "let it go".  

Artists communicate through their art and through their practice. Once a piece is completed and exhibited it is up to the viewer to interpret meaning.  The viewer may see something or feel something the artist did not intend.  

When completing a commission or selling a work the artist may discuss how the work will be presented, however, the commissioner or buyer will ultimately make such decisions for themselves.  

In the case of "the Spine" we the artists were acting on behalf of an organisation and the intention of the commissioner was clear. The work was being used as a prop. This said it is not a simple matter for an artist. "The Spine" was developed and created like any collaborative art work. Lots of discussion about message, materials, and aesthetics.  "The Spine" was created for a pro-marriage equality event; a civil rights issue we are both passionate about.  The turn around time was very fast.  

The above factors coupled with some media attention created a very intense experience. Fiona was brilliant as always and spoke beautifully about the work and the issue of LGBTQI civil rights.  James Brechney was absolutely wonderful.  Sensing our angst about the work and further adornment of the piece James took "The Spine" to the Imperial Hotel in Erskineville for a little glitz and glam and a send off to Canberra. Curbing the enthusiasm and impulse to over adorn and bedazzle, James and the patrons of the Imperial showed more respect for Malcolm Turnbull's new spine than the Prime Minister appears to be showing the Australian public.

While "The Spine" was starting its journey Fiona and I were debriefing and decompressing.  Four days later we sat in a garden with a coffee and I showed Fiona footage from the Facebook page of DIY Rainbow.  James Brechney is a social media gem. He has chronicled the journey of "The Spine" brilliantly. So Fiona and I laughed a lot and cried a little and began thinking about where to next. 

Stay tuned for our next collaboration.

Please enjoy the following footage courtesy of James Brechney and DIY Rainbow